How Celtic’s Tactics Have Changed Through the Years

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·14. Januar 2025

How Celtic’s Tactics Have Changed Through the Years

Discover a detailed breakdown of how the Celtic’s have changed their tactical style through the years…

Billy McNeill holding the European Cup that Celtic won in 1967 football Lisbon Lions. Photo SMN

The Evolution of Celtic FC Tactics From Historic Triumphs to Modern Challenges

Celtic celebrations after the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

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Following their thrilling Premier Sports League Cup success over theRangers, Celtic stands alone at the top of the rankings when it comes to the number of trophies won by a British team.

With 119 titles won, Celtic is without a doubt one of the biggest clubs in Britain and in Europe and has a huge following all around the world. Throughout the years, Celtic fans have enjoyed some brilliant football under some truly innovative managers. Let’s take a look down memory lane to see exactly how the team’s tactics have evolved.

‘Ange Ball’ – The Birth of a Phenomenon

Ange Postecoglou lifts the Scottish Cup after the victory during the Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Hampden Park on June 03, 2023 (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

When Ange Postecoglou was appointed as Celtic boss in 2021, many were uncertain about the decision. Like Stein, Postecoglou took inspiration from Puskás but added a modern twist. His style focused on quick, attacking football, where Celtic would press high up the pitch, aiming to win the ball back fast and overload the opposition’s defence.

In Scotland, Celtic were dominant, but in Europe, they faced tougher competition. However, Postecoglou’s commitment to fast-paced, attacking football meant Celtic’s games were always full of excitement and unpredictability. This style is similar to engaging with online casinos — just as in betting, it’s essential to look for trusted and reliable sites.

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Postecoglou’s time at Celtic culminated in a treble in the 2022/2023 season before he took on the challenge at Tottenham. Celtic fans will always remember Ange Postecoglou’s bold, maverick approach fondly.

Jock Stein – A Man Ahead of His Time

Jock Stein, manager Jock Stein of successful Scottish club Celtic. Once again the Glasgow side has taken the Scottish league Division One championships. 3 May 1968. Imago Photo Top Foto (The Celtic Star)

Jock Stein will always have a special role in football. The first manager from Northern Europe to guide a team to European Cup success, Stein will forever be immortalised for guiding the Hoops to their European Cup success back in 1967.

A man ahead of his time when it came to his tactics, Stein had taken inspiration from the legendary Real Madrid player and manager Ferenc Puskas, who had dazzled the world with his forward-thinking tactics. Realising that goals should be shared amongst the team, Stein wanted his team to play a fluid style of football that would quickly get them up the pitch.

In order for the ball to progress, Stein would need his centre-backs to pass the ball out from the back rather than lump it forward. He would also need his full-backs and wide men to play an essential part. Covering huge swathes of the pitch, Stein’s full-backs would often be involved in goals, and they played to serve both an offensive and defensive purpose.

Easy on the eye and brilliant to watch, Stein’s Celtic would be able to compete and beat Europe’s best with this attacking brand of football. Stein’s way is often the blueprint for other Celtic managers to follow.

Neil Lennon – A Priority on Defence

Celtic manager Neil Lennon celebrates victory and winning the title after the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Celtic Park on April 21, 2013. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Only once have Celtic managed to go all the way in Europe, and with the Scottish league some way behind the bulk of leagues across Europe when it comes to finances, the chances of Celtic ever winning the Champions League are slim.

These days, the aim is to advance to the knockout phases, a feat far easier said than done. Neil Lennon was the last man to achieve this feat. Unable to go toe-to-toe with today’s European giants, Lennon’s Celtic relied on a sound defensive base and the ability to counter at a rapid pace.

This was epitomised by Celtic’s historic 2-1 victory over Barcelona back in the 2012/2013 season. More than happy to let the Spanish side have the ball, Lennon set up his team to defend deep and narrow, creating a low block that was exceptionally hard to break down. With Barcelona plowing more men upfield, this left them exposed at the back and susceptible to a counter-attack.

When stealing the ball, Lennon asked his side to break quickly and efficiently, and that’s exactly what happened. Producing a defensive masterclass for the ages, Celtic led 2-0 deep into injury time. A late goal by Lionel Messi ensured a nervy end, but it was too little too late as Celtic clung on to record an epic 2-1 victory.

Brendan Rodgers – A Man Suited Perfectly to Celtic

Brendan Rodgers with the Scottish Cup on 25 May 2024, after Celtic’s 1-0 win over theRangers in the final at Hampden Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Brendan Rodgers is one of Celtic’s most successful managers and achieved the astonishing feat of winning back-to-back trebles on Celtic’s way to an astonishing Quadruple Treble, a feat that is unlikely to ever be matched in world football. Rodgers likes his team to play an expansive game, but it is controlled. Unlike Ange Ball, where the handbrake is constantly off, Rodgers likes his sides to dominate possession and build patiently, probing for the right opportunity.

Whilst the focus is on getting the ball forward, it is done with care and responsibility towards defending. This more cautious approach and better balance have enabled Celtic to enjoy a productive Champions League campaign, with their place in the knockout playoff round looking close to being secured.

Although there was reluctance from some fans over Rodgers returning following his leaving the club to join Leicester, he secured the title last season and added the Scottish Cup for a brilliant double. And with the League Cup in the bag and with the team enjoying a healthy 15 points lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, who’s to say that another treble won’t be won this season?

Perhaps where Ange struggled and Rodgers is succeeding is that the Northern Irishman’s style of play is probably easier on his squad to handle. Whilst ‘Ange Ball’ in full flow is some sight, too often, the Australian team could be countered, and whether it worked in Europe was dubious.

With how Rodgers likes to get his team attacking, Celtic can enjoy large swathes of domination, and it is probably why they are the dominant force in Scottish football yet again this season. Rodgers can provide the entertainment, and he fits into what the fans want to watch. With many now back on board, 2024/2025 could be his best season yet!